Ladies 4s vs. Old Uxonians 1sOld Uxonians were one of only two losses for the ladies 4s during the first half of the season...a devastating 3-0 loss which the whole team was determined to reverse this time around. The 4s were extremely pumped for this match... Given the context this was one of the 4s most intense matches of the season and immediately from pushback the game was tense and cagey. The opposition told us afterwards this was their best performance of the season and it showed. They raised their game considerably in the first half to give us a challenging time and keep the defence busy. Both Yssie Richards and Renee de Lepper were called upon to chase down some fast breakaways and super keeper Alice Taylor-Bennett kept us in the game with two fantastic reaction saves from 1-on-1 situations. The first half wasn't all defensive however. Jen Holman and Alex Joss worked brilliantly with the midfield to bring the ball up and there were some great near opportunities for Kate Cato on the right post in particular. The match went into the break at a goalless 0-0 and a rousing half time talk followed. We knew this could be one of the defining halves of our season and we went back out determined to find some goals. We decided to focus on our passing and making space for the forwards to get the goals they promised would follow. The forwards didn't let us down. Although we sadly lost Kate Cato for the second half due to a back injury the forward trio of Gemma McIntosh, Laura Bryant and Fay Pullin hustled brilliantly to create opportunities.Tireless work from Emma Milton, Stacey Nevin and Sophie Green kept the ball in the attacking half with some brilliant runs and passes into the forwards. Chloe Hole also worked brilliantly as a pivot to free up the congestion in the D. This was a real team effort with everyone playing their part in some good movement and some excellent switching.Goal number one came from an excellently worked short corner which Laura Bryant slotted into the goal with confidence. Goal number two came thanks to one of the hits of the season as Alex Joss fired one in from deep which Laura Bryant managed to connect with for what is fast becoming her signature not-looking-at-the-goal-but-scoring trick shot!With seven games left to play and us sitting at the top of the table by just one point this is set to be an exciting time for the ladies 4s.Many thanks to Cookie from the Ladies 1s for stepping in to umpire before her own game - it was much appreciated.PHC Chiswick Ladies 4s - 2, Old Uxonians 1s - 0Scorers: Laura Bryant x2 MoM: Laura Bryant for a sterling performance up front and two fantastic goalsDoD: Sophie Green for late arrival due to poor kit preparation, only for co-captain Chloe Hole to steal the crown when she gave the oppo the win on the post match paperwork.